Best Anime with Heartbreaking Endings!

There's just this way that anime has with making us attach super deeply to its characters sometimes, and that emotional investment often finds its way into an ending that hits us right in the feels. As nice as happy endings are, there is just something so powerful about those stories that don't tie up in the way you hope they would. They stick around in your heart, leaving sweet memories long after the credits roll. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, because here is the list of the best anime with sad endings that will linger on for all eternity.

1. Your Lie in April

Your Lie in April is an anime that follows the story of love, loss, and music. It follows Kousei Arima, a piano prodigy who loses his ability to hear the sound of the piano after his mother's death. He's pulled back into the world of music by a spirited violinist named Kaori, and together they form a bond that changes both of their lives.

The ending? Heart-wrenching to say the least. Without giving too much away, it's a close that makes you ponder over the fragility of life, the love that makes it whole, and the art with which it's lived. Be prepared to cry your eyes out.

2. Clannad: After Story

If you're looking for an emotional gut punch, Clannad: After Story is one of the most heartbreaking anime you can watch. After a relatively lighthearted first season, the sequel dives into the struggles of adult life, family, and the weight of choices.

The journey with Tomoya Okazaki and his family is one that explores grief, loss, and the enduring power of love, but not without making you feel every ounce of pain along the way. The final episodes are devastating, and it’s a ride that leaves you emotionally drained yet grateful for the experience.

3. Angel Beats!

Angel Beats! is a mix of comedy, action, and drama that takes place in the afterlife, wherein a group of students tries to figure out why they're there. The series explores themes of regret, unfulfilled lives, and the harsh reality of moving on.

The ending, while offering some closure, is still deeply emotional and sad. It brings full circle the journeys of the characters and shows their backstories, which eventually hold them back from moving on. It's a beautiful, bittersweet ending that will leave you with a lump in your throat.

4. Tokyo Magnitude 8.0

Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 is an under-the-radar gem that hits incredibly hard. The series follows a young girl, Mirai, and her younger brother as they struggle to survive after a large earthquake devastates Tokyo. The series does a really great job of showing the emotional and physical toll a disaster like this could take on a person, with the characters' emotional growth very heart-wrenching.

By the end, the bittersweet conclusion perfectly encapsulates the struggle of moving on after such a traumatic event, leaving viewers with a sense of sorrow and hope.

5. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

This anime is about grief and the lingering feelings of loss. Anohana follows a group of childhood friends who have drifted apart after one of them, Menma, dies in an accident. Years later, her spirit appears to one of the friends, asking for help to pass on.

The journey of these friends reconciling with their past, their guilt, and the loss of Menma is deeply emotional. The final moments of the series will break your heart in the most powerful way, making it one of the saddest anime you’ll ever watch.

6. Grave of the Fireflies

Grave of the Fireflies is the anime film that almost guarantees to make its viewer cry. This Studio Ghibli classic narrates a story about two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, and their fates as they fight to live in Japan during the last days of World War II.

This movie is a powerful commentary on the devastation of war and how it affects innocent lives. The ending is nothing short of tragic, and it's impossible not to be moved by the emotional weight it carries. It is one of the most heartbreaking anime films out there and a must-watch for those who want a sobering emotional experience.

7. The Plague Dogs

Another film exploring the dark side of humanity is The Plague Dogs, two dogs escaping from a research lab where they have been exposed to inhumane experiments. The story takes a dive toward despair as the dogs fight for survival in the harsh world, highlighting themes of abuse and mistreatment of animals.

The film doesn’t shy away from its tragic moments, and the ending will leave you devastated, as it underscores the harsh realities of life for those who can’t fight back.

8. March Comes in Like a Lion

This anime is a beautiful, slow-burn exploration of depression, mental illness, and healing. It follows Rei Kiriyama, a professional Shogi player struggling with personal trauma and isolation. His journey toward emotional healing is supported by a family of three sisters, but not without many emotional hurdles.

While it is an uplifting ending in many ways, it's also a heart-wrenching tale of overcoming trauma and finding peace. For this series, emotional complexity puts it over the top in terms of anime that makes you feel.

Why We Love Sad Endings!